Harry Maguire sends rallying call to team-mates ahead of crucial Aston Villa clash

Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Porto and Manchester United at Estadio do Dragao on October 3, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Harry Maguire has sent a message to his team-mates as Manchester United prepare for a crucial Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday.

United are winless in their last four matches across all competitions and have conceded six goals in the last two matches against Tottenham and FC Porto.

A poor start to the season has led to questions over the future of manager Erik ten Hag. This makes the trip to Aston Villa a must-win for the manager, or there will be constant speculation throughout the international break.

Villa go into the game after beating FC Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the match, Maguire sent a rallying call to try and inspire his team-mates. The defender came on as a substitute against Porto and scored a stoppage-time equalise to secure a point for the Reds.

Speaking to reporters, Maguire said (via Goal): “This is my sixth season now and I know what it’s about. I know that you go through difficult moments and everything, everyone piles on you. We’ve proven over the last couple of seasons with the manager that we can beat anybody when we perform. But the problem has been consistency, and we need to start showing that.”

The 31-year-old admitted that United have not been good enough defensively.

“No, obviously it’s not good enough. For sure, we’ve got to do more. But as a footballer, it’s easy to look around and blame your team-mates, or blame the staff or the tactics. You’ve got to look at yourself. You’ve got to take responsibility and each and every one of us has got to do better in these moments.”

Hopefully, United can end their winless streak today but we’re up against it with Villa being in-form under Unai Emery.

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